Hour Game
by David Baldacci
Grand Central Publishing 2004
Book 2 of King and Maxwell
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.4 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Book 2 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- copycat serial killer
- truth versus justice
- power and privilege
- deception and secrets
- partnership and trust
- small‑town politics
- revenge
- moral ambiguity
- media attention
- time as motif
About this book
Ex–Secret Service agents Sean King and Michelle Maxwell take a routine burglary case involving a powerful Virginia family, only to be pulled into a string of murders committed by a killer who mimics the methods of history’s most notorious murderers. As bodies mount and clues are left like clockwork, the pair must decode a deadly game before the next hour strikes.
Setting: Wrightsburg, Virginia and surrounding rural areas—wealthy estates, woods, and small‑town locales
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hour Game right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Hour Game. The reading level is AR 5.4, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include copycat serial killer, truth versus justice, power and privilege. Note: this is book 2 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Hour Game?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Hour Game takes around 15h to finish. The book has 151,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hour Game have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hour Game has an AR quiz available, worth 20 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Hour Game?
Hour Game has an AR reading level of 5.4, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.